Method and apparatus for separating, purifying, promoting interaction and improving combustion

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for separating joined components, purifying liquid, promoting interaction between two or more components and improving combustion. The apparatus has a housing, a rotor inside of the housing, a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotor, a shaft coupled with the rotor and a prime mover for rotating the shaft. Fluid within the housing cavitates as the rotor rotates and the protrusions move through the fluid. Cavitation causes joined components within the fluid to separate, kills undesirable organisms within the fluid, promotes interaction of components within the fluid and improves combustion of a liquid fuel. The fluid and components may also be subjected to abrasion and centrifugal and impact forces for separating the components, purifying the fluid, promoting interaction of the components and improving combustion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/973,692, filed on Oct. 10, 2007, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related in general to a method and apparatusfor separating, purifying, promoting interaction and improvingcombustion and more particularly to a method and apparatus forseparating joined components placed in a fluid medium, for purifyingliquid, for promoting interaction between two or more components andimproving combustion in a liquid fuel.

2. Description of Related Art

It has long been desirable to quickly separate joined components withoutdegradation of the individual components. Examples of joined componentsneeding separation include grain components, contaminants from pureproducts, juice from solid biomass, and starch and protein from biomass.Corn, in particular, is a grain that is desirable to separate into itsindividual components without degrading the components. Corn endospermis rich in starch and protein which are both valuable as separatecomponents.

A typical process for separating or milling corn includes fermenting(steeping) the kernels in warm water and sulfur dioxide for about 35 to50 hours. The fermentation process softens the corn for easierseparation by mechanical processing, but it also degrades the componentsof the corn. Some of the components of the kernels typically dissolve orsuspend in the acidic water and are subsequently discarded. Discardingthese components results in less profit for the corn miller.Additionally, at the end of the milling process, the corn requiressubstantial drying due to the fermentation process.

After fermentation, a degerminator separates the germ, pericarp andendosperm through abrasion between the corn and degerminator, abrasionbetween the individual corn kernels and impact between the corn anddegerminator. Conventional degerminators frequently break the germ anddo not consistently provide complete separation of germ and endosperm.Conventional degerminators also do not separate the starch and proteinwithin the endosperm. Thus, a typical corn milling process is relativelyexpensive, time consuming and inefficient.

Purification of liquids to remove microorganisms is typically conductedusing one of the following methods: distillation, filtration, boiling,disinfection by chemical treatment, ultraviolet light treatment orreverse osmosis. However, all of these processes have drawbacksincluding: expense, time, size, effectiveness and inefficiency.Pasteurization is one purification process used to kill microorganismsin liquids such as juice and milk. Pasteurization kills microorganismsby heating the liquid for a pre-determined amount of time. However,pasteurization does not kill all microorganisms within a liquid becauseto do so with heat alters the liquid's taste.

Promoting interaction between two or more components is desirable forpromoting reactions between the components. Interaction betweencomponents is typically accomplished using an agitator or mixer whichrotates a blade through the components and/or vibrates the components.

Improving combustion of a liquid fuel is desirable for improvingefficiency and decreasing environmentally harmful exhaust emissions.Combustion of a liquid fuel is typically improved by atomizing the fuelto maximize its surface area. One conventional method for improvingcombustion is to utilize a fuel injector with a nozzle capable ofatomizing the fuel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention claimed herein is a method and apparatus for separating,purifying, promoting interaction and improving combustion. The apparatusfor separating, purifying, promoting interaction and improvingcombustion comprises a housing with an interior chamber, a rotor insidethe chamber, a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotor, ashaft coupled with the rotor, and a prime mover for rotating the shaftand rotor. The housing has an inlet and outlet for allowing fluid toenter and exit the chamber. Preferably, the rotor rotates at a speedsufficient to cause cavitation of the fluid within the chamber andsubject the fluid to a centrifugal force. Cavitation, abrasion, andcentrifugal and impact forces preferably contribute to separating joinedcomponents placed within the fluid, killing undesirable organisms withinthe fluid, promoting interaction between two or more components placedwithin the fluid, and/or improving combustion of liquid fuel, whicheveris desired.

The method of separating joined components includes the steps of placingthe joined components in a fluid medium and inducing cavitation withinthe fluid to separate the joined components. The separation method maybe used for any type of joined components, is quick, has low powerrequirements, and is capable of being performed with relativelyinexpensive equipment.

The method of purifying liquid comprises inducing cavitation within theliquid to kill undesirable organisms within the liquid. The purificationmethod kills undesirable microorganisms without altering the liquid'staste and other desirable biochemical characteristics.

The method of promoting interaction between two or more componentsincludes the steps of placing the components in a fluid medium andsubjecting the components to cavitation to promote interaction. In thepreferred embodiment, the components may also be subjected tocentrifugal force, abrasion and impact to promote interaction.

The method of improving combustion of a liquid fuel comprises inducingcavitation within the liquid fuel to vaporize the liquid fuel. Thevaporized fuel combusts more completely within a combustion chamber thanits liquid counterpart.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages andnovel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learnedfrom the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of theinvention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalitiesand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view, with portions broken away, of theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofan apparatus according to the present invention, showing a housinghaving protrusions;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional view of another alternativeembodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, showing arotor and counter-rotor;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotor with C-shapedprotrusions;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotor with J-shapedprotrusions;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotor having tooth-likeprotrusions arranged in an arc;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotor having rotationalprotrusions;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of anapparatus according to the present invention, showing a hydrocyclonecoupled with the housing outlet;

FIG. 11A is a flow diagram of a method of separation according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 11B is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of purification according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of promoting interaction accordingto the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method of improving combustion accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-3 show an apparatus 10 adapted to separate joined componentsplaced in a fluid medium, purify liquid, promote interaction between twoor more components placed in a fluid medium, and improve combustion of aliquid fuel. FIG. 2 shows the apparatus separating joined components.The joined components shown are the endosperm, germ and pericarp of cornkernels 12. Although FIG. 2 shows apparatus 10 separating corn, anyjoined component may be separated by the apparatus. Further, althoughFIG. 2 shows apparatus functioning as a separator, the apparatus alsopurifies liquid, promotes interaction between two or more components,and improves combustion of a liquid fuel. FIGS. 1-3 show the apparatuswith a housing 14, a shaft 16, a circular rotor 18, protrusions 20extending from rotor 18, and a motor 22 coupled with shaft 16.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show housing 14 with a first end wall 24, a second endwall 26, and a side wall 28 defining an interior cavitation chamber 30.FIGS. 1-3 show housing 14 with an inlet 32 in first end wall 24 adaptedto allow fluid and components to enter chamber 30, and an outlet 34 inside wall 28 adapted to allow fluid and components to exit chamber 30.Inlet 32 may be coupled with a hopper (not shown) containing components,liquid or both. FIG. 3 shows a shaft opening 36 in second end wall 26.Shaft 16 projects into chamber 30 through shaft opening 36. FIGS. 1-3show a flange 38 extending from side wall 28. FIG. 3 shows openings 40in flange 38 which are aligned with openings 42 in second end wall 26.FIG. 1 shows bolts 44 securing flange 38 with second end wall 26. A seal(not shown) is preferably placed between flange 38 and second end wall26, and a seal 46, shown in FIG. 3, is placed between shaft 16 andsecond end wall 26 to prevent fluid from leaking out of chamber 30.

FIG. 2 shows rotor 18 coupled with shaft 16 inside chamber 30. Rotor 18has a front surface 48 facing inlet 32. Cylindrical protrusions 20extend from front surface 48 toward inlet 32. All of the protrusions 20are equidistant from the center of rotor 18 adjacent the peripheral edgeof front surface 48. The spacing between adjoining protrusions 20determines the length of time that components are retained withinchamber 30. Protrusions spaced closer together will retain componentswithin the chamber for a longer period of time than protrusions spacedfarther apart. The longer the components are retained within thechamber, the greater the likelihood that the components will separate orinteract, whichever is preferred. Preferably, the protrusions are spaceda distance sufficient to retain components within the housing or chamberuntil the components separate or interact. FIG. 2 shows adjoiningprotrusions 20 spaced a distance sufficient to retain corn kernels 12within chamber 30 until separation of the germ, pericarp and endosperm.Preferably, the space between adjoining protrusions 20 is approximately6 to 12 millimeters. The spacing between protrusions also affects thenumber of impacts between the components and the protrusions. Moreimpacts between the components and the protrusions occur as theprotrusions are spaced closer together. Therefore, if less impacts aredesired the distance between protrusions should be increased. Althoughcylindrical protrusions 20 mounted equidistant from the rotor's centerare shown, any type of protrusions mounted in any pattern on the rotorare within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows separation of the endosperm, germ and pericarp of cornkernels 12 placed in a fluid medium. Motor 22, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,rotates shaft 16 and rotor 18 at a speed sufficient to cause cavitationwithin the fluid. The endosperm, germ and pericarp are separated by thecombined effects of the rapid creation and implosion of the cavitationbubbles formed within the fluid, abrasion between the fluid and corncomponents, abrasion between the corn components, impacts between thecorn components and protrusions 20, and centrifugal force. Beforeseparation, the corn is retained within housing 14 by protrusions 20.While the corn is retained by protrusions 20, the fluid flows by thecorn at high speed causing fluid abrasion on the corn's surface. Thecorn kernels 12 also rotate with respect to rotor 18 causing abrasionbetween the kernels. Each kernel 12 also impinges the protrusions 20.All of these factors contribute to separating the corn 12 into itscomponents. FIG. 2 shows the separated components 50 exiting outlet 34.Although separation of corn is shown in FIG. 2, any type of joinedcomponent may be separated with apparatus 10, and the apparatus may alsobe used to purify liquid, promote interaction between two or morecomponents in a fluid medium, and improve combustion of a liquid fuel.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 110 according tothe present invention. Apparatus 110 is substantially the same asapparatus 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3 except thatapparatus 110 has protrusions 112 extending from first end wall 114 ofhousing 116 toward rotor 118. Three circular rows of protrusions 112extend from first end wall 114. There are gaps 120 between adjacentrows. Rotor 118 has four rows of protrusions 122 which are spaced adistance from the rotor's center such that the rows align with gaps 120.

FIG. 5 shows another alternative embodiment of an apparatus 210according to the present invention. Apparatus 210 is substantially thesame as the apparatus 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3except that apparatus 210 has a tube 212 and a counter-rotor 214 coupledwith tube 212 inside of interior chamber 216. Counter-rotor 214 has afront surface facing the front surface of rotor 218. Tube 212 isreceived by inlet 220 and extends into chamber 216. Three circular rowsof protrusions 222 extend from the front surface of counter-rotor 214toward rotor 218. There are gaps 224 between adjacent rows. Rotor 218has four rows of protrusions 226 which are spaced a distance from therotor's center such that the rows align with gaps 224. A seal 228 ispositioned between tube 212 and inlet 220 for preventing fluid fromleaking out of chamber 216. A drive mechanism (not shown), such as abelt, may be coupled with tube 212 outside chamber 216 for rotating tube212 and counter-rotor 214. Although apparatuses 110 and 210 are shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 with circular rows of protrusions, the rows on housing,rotor and counter-rotor may have any configuration permitting the rotorto rotate within the housing.

FIGS. 6-9 show examples of protrusions that may be used with any of theapparatuses 10, 110 and 210 described above in connection with FIGS.1-5. FIG. 6 shows protrusions 310 having a C-shaped top profile. Theprotrusions are hollow and are arranged in two rows on the rotor.C-shaped protrusions 310 are preferably used when it is desirable toinduce high levels of cavitation in the fluid. FIG. 7 shows protrusions312 having a J-shaped side profile. J-shaped protrusions 312 arepositioned adjacent a peripheral edge of the front surface of the rotor.FIG. 8 shows four rows of spaced apart tooth-like protrusions 314. Therows are positioned in offset relationship such that the protrusions 314form a radial curved pattern. FIG. 9 shows rotating protrusions 316. Theprotrusions 316 have a free end 318 and a fixed end 320 rotatablymounted on the front surface of the rotor. The fixed end 320 has anopening which receives a pin 322 extending from the rotor. The inventiondescribed herein is not limited to any particular type of protrusions,or any particular pattern of protrusions. All protrusions and patternsshown herein are exemplary only.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 410 according tothe present invention. Apparatus 410 is substantially identical to theapparatuses 10, 110 and 210 described in connection with the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1-5 except that outlet 412 of housing 414 is coupled witha hydrocyclone 416, or centrifuge. Hydrocyclone 416 has the generalshape of an inverted cone with a cylinder extending upward from the baseof the cone. Hydrocyclone 416 has a top outlet 418, a bottom outlet 420and an inlet 422 coupled with housing outlet 412. Inlet 422 ispositioned near the top of hydrocyclone 416.

In operation, motor 22 of apparatus 10, shown in FIGS. 1-3, is poweredon. Inlet 32 receives joined components placed in fluid, unpurifiedliquid, two or more components placed in fluid, or liquid fuel. Thejoined components placed in fluid, unpurified liquid, two or morecomponents placed in fluid, or liquid fuel enter chamber 30. Motor 22rotates shaft 16 and rotor 18 at a speed sufficient to cause cavitationof the fluid within chamber 30 as protrusions 20 move through the fluid.The speed of shaft rotation is preferably between 500 to 10,000revolutions per minute.

The fluid cavitates due to the reduction in fluid pressure behindprotrusions 20 as the protrusions move through the fluid. The fluidcavitates from a liquid to a gas when the fluid pressure behindprotrusions 20 is reduced to below the liquid's vapor pressure. Aplurality of gas bubbles form within the fluid due to cavitation. Thesegas bubbles move from the low pressure area of formation into an area ofchamber 30 with higher fluid pressure. Upon entering a region of fluidpressure greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid, the gas bubblescollapse. This creation and collapse, or implosion, of gas bubblescreates ultrasonic waves within chamber 30. The power of the ultrasonicwaves has been measured at the outside of housing 14 as being betweenabout 40 dB to about 60 dB by a well known cavitation implosionmeasuring device sold under the trademark Vibrotip®. The ultrasonicwaves are a primary factor in separating joined components within afluid medium, in purifying liquid by killing undesirable organismswithin the liquid, in promoting interaction between two or morecomponents, and in improving combustion of liquid fuel by vaporizing theliquid fuel.

Additional forces within chamber 30 contribute to separating joinedcomponents within a fluid medium, purifying liquid, promotinginteraction between two or more components in a fluid medium, andimproving combustion of a liquid fuel. These forces include centrifugalforce resulting from rotating rotor 18 within the fluid, abrasionbetween the fluid and components, abrasion between the components, andimpacts between the components and protrusions 20. The combined effectsof these factors contribute to separating joined components placedwithin a fluid, purifying liquid, promoting interaction between two ormore components placed within a fluid, and improving combustion of aliquid fuel. The separated components and fluid, purified liquid,interacted components and fluid, or liquid fuel exit chamber 30 throughoutlet 34.

Apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 4 operates in the same way as describedabove for apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Apparatus 210 shown in FIG. 5operates in substantially the same manner as apparatus 10 shown in FIGS.1-3 except that apparatus 210 has a rotating tube 212 and counter-rotor214. A drive mechanism (not shown) coupled with tube 212 rotates tube212 and counter-rotor 214. Tube 212 and counter-rotor 214 preferablyrotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of rotor218, but it is within the scope of the invention for rotor 218 andcounter-rotor 214 to rotate in the same direction. The components andfluid enter chamber 216 through tube 212.

Apparatus 410 shown in FIG. 10 has a housing 414 with a rotor thatoperates in the same manner as any of the apparatuses 10, 110 and 210described in FIGS. 1-5. However, after the fluid and components exitoutlet 412 they enter hydrocyclone 416. Fluid and components exitingoutlet 412 and entering hydrocyclone 416 rotate around the interior wallof hydrocyclone 416. The rotation subjects the fluid and components to acentrifugal force which divides the components based on density. Heaviercomponents move outward toward the interior wall of hydrocyclone 416 andspiral down the wall to bottom outlet 420. Lighter components movetoward the center axis of hydrocyclone 416 and exit through top outlet418. Thus, hydrocyclone 416 divides components with different densities.Hydrocyclone 416 is particularly well suited to divide gas from liquid.A slight vacuum may be introduced at top outlet 418 to induce thelighter components to exit through top outlet 418.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a method for separating joined components. Ifnecessary, the joined components are peeled at 510, washed at 512 and/orcrushed at 514 during the beginning of the separation process, as shownin FIG. 11A. The joined components are then placed in a fluid medium andsent to a first separator 516. First separator 516 has a cavitationchamber 518, a fluid abrader 520, a component abrader 522, a centrifuge524 and an impacter 526. The separator may have a structure as any ofthe apparatuses 10, 110 and 210 described above, and it should beappreciated that the same structure may perform steps 518-526simultaneously.

In the cavitation chamber 518, cavitation is induced in the fluid asdescribed above in connection with apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Theultrasonic waves resulting from the creation and implosion of cavitationbubbles within the fluid is one factor in separating the joinedcomponents. The other steps in separator 516 are also factors inseparating the joined components. Fluid abrader 520 induces abrasionbetween the fluid and joined components and component abrader 522induces abrasion between the joined components to separate thecomponents. Abrasion between the joined components may be abrasionbetween the individual components, or it may be abrasion betweendiscrete units of joined components. Centrifuge 524 subjects the joinedcomponents to centrifugal force and impacter 526 subjects the joinedcomponents to impact forces to separate the components. Afterseparation, the components are positioned throughout the fluid medium.

The separated components exit separator 516 and go to liquid-soliddivider 528 which divides relatively large solid components from thefluid medium. Solid components of fine granulometry form a suspensionwith the fluid and are not divided from the fluid by liquid-soliddivider 528. Liquid-solid divider 528 may be a sieve or any othersuitable apparatus for dividing solids from liquid. The solid componentsdivided from the fluid medium are dried by dryer 530 which also has thecapability to further separate the solid components. The solidcomponents are then ground in a mill 532 to a desired size.Alternatively, the solid components exiting liquid-solid divider 528 areplaced in a fluid medium and sent to separator 534, where the same stepsoccur as in separator 516. Separator 534 further separates the solidcomponents in the manner as described above with respect to separator516. The fluid and separated solid components go to liquid-solid divider536 where relatively large solid components are divided from the fluidand sent to a collector 538. Solid components of fine granulometry forma suspension with the fluid and are not divided from the fluid byliquid-solid divider 536. The suspensions of fluid and solid componentsof fine granulometry exiting liquid-solid dividers 528 and 536 combineat separator 540.

Separator 540 performs the same steps as separator 516 and furtherseparates joined components within the fluid. The fluid and componentsexiting separator 540 flow into separator 542 which performs the samesteps as separator 516. Separator 542 further separates the joinedcomponents within the fluid. The fluid and components exiting separator542 flow into centrifuge 544, which may have a structure as thehydrocyclone described above in connection with FIG. 10. Centrifuge 544subjects the fluid and components to a centrifugal force to divide thecomponents based on density. Heavier components exiting centrifuge 544go to separator 546, while lighter components exiting centrifuge 544 goto collector 548. After exiting separator 546, the heavier componentsenter centrifuge 550 which again divides the components based ondensity. Heavier components exiting centrifuge 550 go to a dryer 552,while lighter components go to collector 548. Either of the heavier orthe lighter components may be further processed to achieve a desired endproduct.

If the resulting heavier components are starch or sugar, then instead ofgoing to dryer 552, they may undergo an alternate process shown in FIG.11B to convert the starch or sugar into ethanol. For ethanol production,starch exiting centrifuge 550, shown in FIG. 11A, follows path B toundergo hydrolysis, or liquefaction, at station 554, shown in FIG. 11B.Sugar exiting centrifuge 550, shown in FIG. 11A, follows path A toundergo fermentation at station 558, shown in FIG. 11B. For starch, atstation 554 it is heated and joined with enzymes to promote hydrolysis.The hydrolyzed starch is then joined with enzymes and undergoessaccharization at station 556 where the hydrolyzed starch is convertedinto sugar syrup. The hydrolysis at station 554 and saccharization atstation 556 may each be performed by any of the apparatuses 10, 110 and210 shown in FIGS. 1-5, and according to the method of promotinginteraction shown in FIG. 13 and described below in connection with FIG.13.

The sugar syrup exiting station 556 is joined with yeast and undergoesfermentation at station 558 (the step where sugar exiting centrifuge 550begins). Fermentation of the sugar syrup produces liquid ethanol. A heatexchanger (not shown) may be coupled with the apparatus performingfermentation step 558 for removing heat from the apparatus. Afterfermentation, the liquid ethanol goes to liquid-solid divider 560.Solids remaining in the liquid ethanol are divided from the ethanol andundergo enzyme treatment at step 562 to hydrolyze and saccharize thesolids converting them to sugar syrup. This sugar then undergoesfermentation at station 558. Step 562 may be performed in asubstantially similar manner as steps 554 and 556.

Liquid ethanol exiting liquid-solid divider 560 begins a distillationprocess at a separator 564, which has substantially the sameconfiguration as separator 516. A heater (not shown) may be coupled withthe separator 564 for heating the liquid. Preferably, the heater heatsthe liquid ethanol to approximately 80 degrees Celsius. The liquidethanol may be heated before entering separator 564 by passing through acopper coil immersed in water heated by solar energy. Separator 564induces cavitation within the liquid ethanol. The rapid creation andimplosion of cavitation bubbles within the liquid ethanol converts it toethanol vapor, however, some liquid may exit separator 564 with theethanol vapor. The liquid remaining may be liquid ethanol and/or liquidadded in a previous step that could not be converted into ethanol. Theliquid and ethanol vapor exit separator 564 and go to centrifuge 566,which may have a structure similar to the hydrocyclone shown in FIG. 10.Centrifuge 566 subjects the liquid and ethanol vapor to a centrifugalforce dividing the ethanol vapor from the liquid. Liquid exitingcentrifuge 566 is collected by collector 572 where it is discarded orsent to undergo a second distillation process to recover any remainingethanol within the liquid. The ethanol vapor exiting centrifuge 566 goesto a condenser 568 which condenses the vapor into a liquid. The liquidethanol is collected by collector 570.

The joined components that are separated by the process shown in FIGS.11A and 11B may be solids, liquids, gases or any combination of thethree. For separating solids, the percent of solids in the fluid mediumis preferably about 10-40% by volume. The separation process may beaffected by varying the percent of solids placed within the fluidmedium. A higher percentage of solids in the fluid medium results inincreased abrasion between the solid components, but a decreased numberof impacts between the protrusions and components. A lesser percentageof solids in the fluid medium results in decreased abrasion between thesolid components, and an increased number of impacts between theprotrusions and components. The percent by volume of solids in the fluidmedium may be varied as necessary for optimal separation of the type ofcomponents being separated.

Other external factors which may affect the separation process shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B include the pH level, viscosity and temperature of thefluid medium or components. As the pH level moves from neutral toacidity or alkalinity, the hydrogen potential permits greater atomicactivity which may accelerate separation. The forces (cavitation, fluidabrasion, component abrasion, centrifugal and impact) generated withinthe separators promote the atomic activity by fostering contact betweenthe fluid medium and joined components. An increase in viscosity of thefluid medium reduces the effects of cavitation within the fluid byrestricting the formation, implosion and movement of cavitation bubbles.An increase in temperature increases the effects of cavitation withinthe fluid by reducing the attraction of the molecules of the liquid andthereby increasing the vapor pressure of the fluid medium. Cavitationbubbles form more frequently when the vapor pressure of the fluid mediumis increased because less reduction in pressure is necessary to reducethe fluid pressure below the increased vapor pressure.

The method of separating shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B may be used toseparate the joined components of a corn kernel, namely, the endosperm,pericarp and germ. If desired the corn is peeled in peeler 510, washedin washer 512 and crushed in crusher 514 before it is sent to separator516. Separator 516 separates the endosperm, germ and pericarp by themethod described above. The endosperm has a fine granulometry and thusforms a suspension with the fluid after separation. Preferably, themixture of fluid and corn kernels entering separator 516 is about 10 to20% corn kernels by volume. Separator 516 preferably has a constructionas apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. For corn separation, the rotorpreferably has one row of protrusions. The diameter of the row ispreferably about 124 millimeters and the diameter of the protrusionsabout 9.5 millimeters. Preferably, the height of the protrusions isabout 15 millimeters and the thickness of the rotor is about 10millimeters. There is a distance of about 10 millimeters betweenprotrusions. Preferably, the rotor rotates at a speed of between about2500 to 4500 revolutions per minute, and in a most preferred embodimentat a speed of about 3600 revolutions per minute. The process ofseparating the endosperm, germ, and pericarp occurs within about twominutes. Also, it is not necessary to steep the corn kernels in water oran acidic solution before separation as it is in conventional separationprocesses.

For separating corn according to the method shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B,separator 516 could be replaced by a plurality of separators coupledtogether each having a structure similar to apparatus 10. In thisconfiguration each subsequent separator in the series has a graduallyreduced distance between protrusions. There may be eight coupledseparators replacing separator 516, where the distance betweenprotrusions is gradually reduced from 10 millimeters to 7.5 millimeters.

Liquid-solid divider 528 divides the germ and pericarp from the fluidand endosperm suspension after separation of the endosperm, germ andpericarp. The germ and pericarp go to dryer 530, which is preferably apneumatic type 60 degrees Celsius hot air drying system having thecapability to divide the pericarp from the germ. The pericarp and germmay then be ground separately at mill 532 to meet market requirements.The fluid and endosperm suspension goes to separator 540.

Separator 540 induces cavitation within the fluid and endospermsuspension in order to separate starch and protein from the endospermcells. Preferably, separator 540 has a structure similar to apparatus 10except for having a rotor with two rows of protrusions. Separators 542and 546 each separate starch and protein that is joined. Centrifuges 544and 550 divide the separated starch and protein. The centrifuges havepreferably the same structure as the hydrocyclone shown in FIG. 10.Centrifuges 544 and 550 subject the separated starch and protein to acentrifugal force dividing the starch and protein. The starch, which isheavier than the protein, travels around the interior wall ofcentrifuges 544 and 550 and exits at the bottom of the centrifuges withthe fluid. The protein exits through the top of the centrifuges 544 and550 and goes to collector 548.

After exiting centrifuge 550, the starch may either go to dryer 552, orit may be hydrolyzed, saccharized, fermented and distilled for producingethanol according to the steps described above and shown in FIG. 11B.The corn separation process described herein can recover 20% moreethanol from corn than any conventional corn ethanol production processbecause the starch is not degraded by steeping the corn kernels beforeseparation. Further, the components retain their originalcharacteristics because they are not crushed by a mill or degerminatorbefore separation.

The method of separating shown in FIG. 11A may also be used forproducing corn atole. Corn is placed in water and sent through separator516 which separates the germ, pericarp and endosperm. Liquid-soliddivider 528 divides the germ and pericarp from the fluid and endospermsuspension. The germ and pericarp go to dryer 530 and mill 532. Theendosperm is digested and dried producing atole powder. Atole producedaccording to conventional methods contains sulfur because the corn issteeped in a sulfur solution. The atole produced according to the methoddescribed herein does not contain sulfur because the corn is not steepedin a sulfur solution. Therefore, atole produced according to the presentmethod is healthier and tastes better than atole produced according toconventional methods.

Coffee berries may also be separated according to the method shown inFIG. 11A. The joined components of a coffee berry are the skin, pulp,mucilage, parchment and bean. Conventional processes for separating thecomponents of a coffee berry require the steps of depulping the berry,fermenting the bean to loosen the mucilage, washing the bean to removethe mucilage, drying the bean, and shelling the bean to remove theparchment. It typically takes about 1 to 7 days to perform these steps.Separator 516 of the method shown in FIG. 11A separates the componentsof a coffee berry in only 7 to 10 seconds. Additionally, after a coffeeberry is separated according to the method shown in FIG. 11A, the coffeebean needs less time to dry because it is exposed to water for less timethan in a conventional process. The present method also produces higherquality coffee beans because they are neither subject to the crushingaction of a depulping mill nor to a typical fermentation process. Thecurrent method for processing coffee costs about 30% less thanconventional methods due to increased efficiency.

Preferably, for coffee separation the mixture of fluid to coffee berriesis about 15 to 22% coffee berries by volume. Preferably, the firstseparator is an apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1-3 with a rotor asdescribed below and a distance between protrusions about 50% greaterthan the longest coffee bean in order to ensure no beans are damaged.There are a variety of different rotors that are sufficient for coffeeseparation according to the method shown in FIG. 11A. One type of rotorhas three rows of protrusions with each row having a respective diameterof 20 centimeters, 30 centimeters and 40 centimeters. The protrusionsare cylindrical with a diameter of about 10 millimeters. The distancebetween the protrusions decreases from about 15 millimeters at the firstrow to about 10 millimeters at the third row. A second type of rotor has19 cylindrical protrusions each having a diameter of about 0.375 inches.The protrusions are adjacent the peripheral edge of a rotor having adiameter of about 124 millimeters. There is a distance betweenprotrusions of about 9 millimeters. A third type of rotor has 21cylindrical protrusions each having a diameter of about 0.375 inches.The protrusions are adjacent the peripheral edge of a rotor having adiameter of about 124 millimeters. There is a distance betweenprotrusions of about 7.5 millimeters. A fourth type of rotor has 20protrusions with a C-shaped top profile, as shown in FIG. 6, each havinga diameter of about 9.5 millimeters. The protrusions are adjacent theperipheral edge of a rotor having a diameter of about 124 millimeters.There is a distance between protrusions of about 7.5 millimeters. Afifth type of rotor has 14 protrusions with a C-shaped top profile, asshown in FIG. 6, each having a diameter of about 0.5 inches. Theprotrusions are adjacent the peripheral edge of a rotor having adiameter of about 124 millimeters. There is a distance betweenprotrusions of about 16 millimeters. A sixth type of rotor has 20conical protrusions each having a base diameter of about 12 millimetersand a crown diameter of about 4 millimeters. The protrusions areadjacent the peripheral edge of a rotor having a diameter of about 125millimeters. A seventh type of rotor has 24 conical protrusions eachhaving a base diameter of about 9.5 millimeters and a crown diameter ofabout 4 millimeters. The protrusions are adjacent the peripheral edge ofa rotor having a diameter of about 124 millimeters.

After the beans, pulp, mucilage, pericarp and parchment of the coffeeberries are separated by separator 516, the beans are divided from thepulp, mucilage, pericarp and parchment by a divider. The divider may bea sieve, or series of sieves designed to divide the various componentsbased on size. The coffee beans are then dried, graded and packed forshipping. The pulp, mucilage, pericarp and parchment are sent to anotherseparator preferably having a similar structure to apparatus 10 shown inFIGS. 1-3. The separated components then go to a divider which dividesthe pulp and mucilage from the parchment and pericarp. The pulp andmucilage may be fermented for production of ethanol as described abovein connection with FIG. 11B, or used to produce methane gas. Theparchment and pericarp preferably undergo an extraction process whichextracts nutraceutic substances and/or fibers from the components.

The method shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B may also be used to separate thestarch and cells of a cassava root. The cassava root is preferablypeeled at peeler 510, washed at washer 512 and crushed at crusher 514before being placed in water. The ratio of water and crushed cassavaroot is about 25 to 35% cassava root by volume. The cassava root is sentthrough separator 516 which preferably has a structure similar toapparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. After separator 516, starch separatedfrom the solid cassava biomass forms a suspension with the water. Thesolid cassava biomass, water and starch go to liquid-solid divider 528where the starch and water suspension is divided from the solid cassavabiomass. The starch and water suspension goes to separator 540. Thesolid cassava biomass is placed in water and goes to separator 534 forfurther separation of starch and solid cassava biomass. Liquid-soliddivider 536 divides the starch and water suspension exiting separator534 from the solid cassava biomass. The solid cassava biomass goes tocollector 538 and the starch and water suspension goes to separator 540where it joins the starch and water suspension from divider 528. Fromseparator 540, the process continues as described above with respect toseparating corn. Preferably, the separators have rotors with protrusionshaving a diameter of about 9.5 millimeters and a distance betweenprotrusions of about 10 millimeters. For separation of cassava root anyof the separators may also have a dual-row rotor with a counter-rotor toimprove breakdown of the root.

The method shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B may be used to separate sugar canefrom sugar cane juice. The conventional process for recovering sugarcane juice from sugar cane comprises crushing or rolling the sugar caneto extract juice from the cane. Then, the cane is either discarded orrecycled, where any cane juice still residing in the cane is lost. Themethod shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B retrieves about 9.5% sugar cane juiceby weight from solid sugar cane that is discarded after a conventionalcane juice extraction process.

According to the separation method of FIG. 11A, first, the sugar cane iscrushed at crusher 514 and any sugar cane juice extracted duringcrushing is collected. Then, the crushed sugar cane is placed in waterand sent through separator 516, which may have a structure similar toapparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Preferably, the mixture of water andsugar cane is about 25 to 35% sugar cane by volume. Separator 516separates the sugar cane juice from the sugar cane via the factorsdescribed above. Liquid-solid divider 528 divides the solid sugar canefrom the water and cane juice. The solid sugar cane is again placed inwater and sent through separator 534 which further separates sugar canejuice from the sugar cane. Liquid-solid divider 536 divides the sugarcane juice and sugar cane exiting separator 534. The solid sugar canegoes to collector 538 where it may be used as aggregate or in theproduction of paper. The sugar cane juice may be processed intocrystalline sugar, or it may be fermented and distilled to produceethanol as described above with respect to steps 558-572. Sugar beetjuice may be separated from a sugar beet in the same manner as describedabove for separating sugar cane juice from sugar cane.

The method shown in FIG. 11A may also be used for separating gaseousimpurities from liquids. For instance, the method may be used forseparating sulfur dioxide, or other gaseous impurities, from liquidfuel. Sulfur dioxide is a compound present in fuel that is released intothe atmosphere upon combustion and is harmful to both health andenvironment. For separating fuel and sulfur dioxide according to themethod shown in FIG. 11A, fuel containing sulfur dioxide is sentdirectly to a separator coupled with a centrifuge such as 542 and 544.Preferably, apparatus 410 as shown in FIG. 10 is used for separation ofthe sulfur dioxide and fuel. The separator induces cavitation within theliquid fuel. Cavitation enhances the formation of sulfur dioxide gasbubbles within the fuel. The centrifuge subjects the fuel to centrifugalforce dividing the sulfur dioxide gas from the liquid fuel. Preferably,the sulfur dioxide gas exits through the top of the centrifuge and thepurified fuel exits through the bottom of the centrifuge. Both the gasand the fuel may be collected in a collector.

The method shown in FIG. 11A may also be used to separate soil andtoxins from grain. For separation, grain covered in soil and toxins isplaced in water and sent through separator 516. The separator separatesthe grain, soil and toxins. Liquid-solid divider 528 divides the cleangrain from the soil and toxins, which remain suspended in the water.Liquid-solid divider 528 may be a sieve. The clean grain is dried indryer 530 and processed as desired. The method may also be used todecontaminate wastewater by separating the water from contaminants. Forinstance, the method may be used to separate cyanogenic compounds fromcassava starch processing wastewater.

The method shown in FIG. 11A may also be used for separating anycomponents of vegetable or animal tissue. The vegetable or animal tissueis processed and selected, placed in water and sent through separator516 for separation of the tissue components. The tissue components arethen preferably divided by any method, washed, dried and packaged.

Soybeans may also be separated according to the method shown in FIG.11A. The soybean separation method described herein greatly reduces thenumber of steps and equipment required by traditional methods. Thejoined components of soybeans are the shell, germ and endosperm. Thesoybeans are placed in water and sent through separator 516. Separator516 separates the shell, germ and endosperm. Liquid-solid divider 528may be used to divide the shell, germ and endosperm. Liquid-soliddivider 528 may be a sieve or series of sieves sized to divide thecomponents. The method may also be used to separate the joinedcomponents of other beans, grains such as sorghum, pineapple juice frompineapple fibers and starch from potatoes.

FIG. 12 shows a method for purifying liquid according to the presentinvention. If there are solids suspended in the liquid, the liquidpreferably undergoes the pretreatment method of steps 610-614. If thereare no solids suspended in the liquid, then the liquid may go directlyto cavitation chamber 616. According to the pretreatment method, theliquid goes to a hydrocyclone 610 which helps to divide the liquid fromthe solids as discussed above in connection with the apparatus shown inFIG. 10. Next, the liquid undergoes chemical treatment 612, whichpreferably comprises adding coagulation chemicals which bond to sedimentin the liquid and promote settling of the sediment. Settling tank 614holds the liquid for an amount of time sufficient to allow the chemicalsand sediment to settle at the bottom of the tank. The liquid in settlingtank 614 then goes to cavitation chamber 616 where cavitation is inducedwithin the liquid to kill undesirable organisms in the liquid. Theundesirable organisms are killed by the rapid creation and implosion ofthe cavitation bubbles formed within the liquid. Cavitation chamber 616may have a structure similar to any of the apparatuses 10, 110 and 210described in connection with FIGS. 1-5. The cavitation may kill theorganisms by cellular lysis. If the liquid to be purified is water, thecavitation and high temperature generated by the cavitation preferablypromote ozonization of the water. The ozone kills undesirable organismswithin the liquid. After undesirable organisms within the liquid arekilled, the liquid is filtered at filter 618 removing any fineparticulate remaining in the liquid before the liquid exits faucet 620.

Preferably, the cavitation chamber of the process shown in FIG. 12 has astructure like any of the apparatuses shown in FIGS. 1-5. Preferably, anapparatus used in the process of FIG. 12 has protrusions with a C-shapedtop profile, as shown in FIG. 6, for maximizing cavitation within theliquid. An apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1-5 may be installed within ahome or office to purify water entering the building from a public waterline. Preferably, an apparatus installed for home or office waterpurification will have an inlet less than 0.5 inches and an outletaround 0.75 inches. An apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1-5 may also beinstalled within a water distribution line for purifying the watertherein. The liquid that is purified using the method shown in FIG. 12may be water, juice or any other liquid needing purification. Forinstance, this purification process may be used instead of or inaddition to pasteurization to purify juice or milk. The purificationprocess described herein is advantageous because the liquid is notheated and therefore the flavor of the liquid does not change. Thepurification process shown in FIG. 12 may also be used to purifywastewater.

The purification method of FIG. 12 may be used to purify liquid used forheat transfer. Undesirable organisms may flourish in water or otherliquids used for heat transfer. It is desirable to kill theseundesirable organisms to prevent sickness among individuals that maycome into contact with the liquid. When liquid is used for heatingpurposes, a cavitation chamber and centrifuge may receive liquid from aheat exchanger, purify the liquid, then send the liquid to a boiler. Theliquid then goes from the boiler to the heat exchanger and back to thecavitation chamber. When liquid is used for cooling purposes, acavitation chamber may receive liquid from a heat exchanger, purify theliquid, then send the liquid to a cooling tower. The liquid then goesfrom the cooling tower to the heat exchanger and back to the cavitationchamber. The liquid purification may increase the efficiency of the heattransfer process by raising the specific heat capacity of the liquid.

FIG. 13 shows a method of promoting interaction between two or morecomponents in accordance with the present invention. The components areplaced in a fluid medium and sent to an interaction promoter 710.Interaction promoter 710 has a cavitation chamber 712, a fluid abrader714, a component abrader 716, a centrifuge 718 and an impacter 720. Theinteraction promoter may have a structure as any of the apparatuses 10,110 and 210 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-5, and it shouldbe appreciated that a single structure may simultaneously perform steps712-720. Cavitation chamber 712 induces cavitation in the fluid forpromoting interaction between the components. Fluid abrader 714 inducesabrasion between the fluid and components and component abrader 716induces abrasion between the components for promoting interactionbetween the components. Centrifuge 718 subjects the components tocentrifugal force promoting interaction between the components, andimpacter 720 subjects the components to an impact force to promoteinteraction between the components. Upon exiting interaction promoter710, the interacted components are collected in a collector 722. Thecomponents which interact may be solid, liquid, gas, or any combinationof the three.

The method of FIG. 13 may be used to promote any chemical or physicalreaction, such as a hydrolysis reaction. For instance, the method may beused to promote the interaction of enzymes and starch for the purpose ofhydrolyzing the starch. The starch and enzymes are placed in a fluidmedium and sent through interaction promoter 710. The cavitation,abrasion, and other forces generated within the interaction promoterpromote the interaction of the starch and enzymes resulting in thehydrolyzation of the starch. The method of FIG. 13 may further be usedto promote saccharization of the hydrolyzed starch for creating a sugarsyrup. The hydrolyzed starch and enzymes are placed in a fluid mediumand sent through interaction promoter 710 which promotes the interactionof the enzymes and hydrolyzed starch. The cavitation, abrasion, andother forces generated within the interaction promoter promote theinteraction of the hydrolyzed starch and enzymes to create a sugarsyrup. The sugar syrup is then collected in collector 722.

The method of FIG. 13 may also be used for nixtamalizing corn. In atypical nixtamalization process corn is cooked in an alkali solution inorder to separate the pericarp from the corn and dextrinize the starchin the corn endosperm. Nixtamalized corn is easier to grind into flourand the dextrinized starch is more nutritious. To nixtamalize cornaccording to the present method of promoting interaction, the corn isplaced in an alkali solution preferably comprising calcium oxide andwater. The corn and alkali solution are heated and then sent tointeraction promoter 710 for promoting interaction between the corn andalkali solution. The corn is nixtamalized due to the combined effects ofthe forces generated within the interaction promoter which promoteinteraction with the alkali solution. The components of the corn mayalso be separated by the cavitation, abrasion and centrifugal and impactforces as discussed above with respect to the method of separating corn.After exiting interaction promoter 710, the corn goes to a dryer (notshown). Corn may be nixtamalized within about 5 minutes according to themethod shown in FIG. 13. Using conventional methods, nixtamalization ofcorn takes about 12 hours.

It is also possible to emulsify, encapsulate and homogenize substancesin accordance with the method for promoting interaction shown in FIG.13. For example, the method may be used to produce banana puree frombananas, coconut creme from coconuts and meat broth from meat. Themethod may be used to emulsify fruit juices, ice cream, sauces,pharmaceutical pastes, chemical pastes and meat for sausage. The methodmay be used to promote the interaction of milk, fruit juices or fruitpulp with additional products before packaging. The method may also beused to accelerate a chemical or physical reaction occurring as a resultof the interaction of two or more components. For instance, the methodmay be used to speed up the conversion of wood into pulp where thecomponents for interaction comprise wood and one or more chemicals.

FIG. 14 shows a method for improving the combustion of liquid fuel byvaporizing the liquid fuel. Vaporizing liquid fuel improves combustionbecause the fuel to air ratio is more evenly distributed throughout acombustion chamber 814. To vaporize fuel according to the presentmethod, the fuel is sent through a cavitation chamber 810 wherecavitation is induced in the fuel. The rapid creation and implosion ofcavitation bubbles within the fuel vaporizes the fuel. After exiting thecavitation chamber 810 some liquid fuel may remain, therefore acentrifuge 812 subjects the vaporized and liquid fuel combination tocentrifugal force dividing the vaporized fuel from the liquid fuel.Centrifuge 812 may have a similar structure as the hydrocyclone shown inFIG. 10. The vaporized fuel is mixed with oxygen and then combusted in acombustion chamber 814 and the liquid fuel is recycled back tocavitation chamber 810. Any apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-10 may be used toimprove the combustion of liquid fuel according to the method shown inFIG. 14.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth,together with the other advantages which are obvious and which areinherent to the invention.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that allmatters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to beinterpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, variousmodifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein,except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope ofthe claims.

1. An apparatus for separating the endosperm, pericarp, and germ of aplurality of corn kernels placed in a fluid medium, comprising: ahousing presenting an interior chamber, an inlet adapted to allow thefluid and corn kernels to enter said chamber, a shaft opening, and anoutlet adapted to allow the fluid and endosperm, pericarp, and germ toexit said chamber after the endosperm, pericarp, and germ are separated;a shaft projecting through said shaft opening into said chamber; a rotorcoupled with said shaft inside of said chamber; a plurality ofprotrusions extending from said rotor; and a prime mover for rotatingsaid shaft and rotor at a speed sufficient to cause cavitation of thefluid within said chamber as said protrusions move through said fluid,wherein the endosperm, pericarp, and germ are separated by the rapidcreation and implosion of the cavitation bubbles formed within thefluid, and wherein the corn kernels are not crushed by a mill ordegerminator before the endosperm, pericarp, and germ are separated. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endosperm, pericarp, and germ areseparated by the combined effects of centrifugal force, abrasion betweenthe fluid and corn kernels, abrasion between the corn kernels, andimpacts between the corn kernels and protrusions.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the endosperm, pericarp, and germ of one of the cornkernels are separated in less than two minutes.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the corn kernels are not steeped in water or an acidicsolution before separation.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidprotrusions are spaced at least approximately 6 millimeters apart. 6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing presents first and secondend walls and a side wall defining said chamber, wherein said inlet isin said first end wall, said shaft opening is in said second end wall,and said outlet is in said side wall, and wherein said rotor presents afront surface facing said inlet and said plurality of protrusions extendfrom said front surface of said rotor toward said inlet.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein said rotor is circular and saidprotrusions are equidistant from the center of said rotor adjacent theperipheral edge of said front surface of said rotor, wherein saidprotrusions are cylindrical, and wherein there is an approximately 6 to12 millimeter space between adjoining protrusions for retaining cornkernels within said chamber until separation of the germ, pericarp, andendosperm.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising protrusionsextending from said first end wall toward said rotor.
 9. The apparatusof claim 6, further comprising: a tube received by said inlet andextending into said chamber; a counter-rotor coupled with said tubeinside of said chamber, said counter-rotor presenting a front surfacefacing said front surface of said rotor; and protrusions extending fromsaid front surface of said counter-rotor toward said rotor.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a centrifuge coupled to saidoutlet.
 11. An apparatus for separating joined components placed in afluid medium, comprising: a housing presenting an interior chamber, aninlet adapted to allow the fluid and joined components to enter saidchamber, a shaft opening, and an outlet adapted to allow the fluid andcomponents to exit said chamber after the components are separated; ashaft projecting through said shaft opening into said chamber; a rotorcoupled with said shaft inside of said chamber; a plurality ofprotrusions extending from said rotor; and a prime mover for rotatingsaid shaft and rotor at a speed sufficient to cause cavitation of thefluid within said chamber as said protrusions move through said fluid,wherein the joined components are separated by the rapid creation andimplosion of the cavitation bubbles formed within the fluid, and whereinthe joined components are not crushed by a mill or degerminator beforeseparation.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the joined componentsare separated by the combined effects of centrifugal force, abrasionbetween the fluid and components, abrasion between the components, andimpacts between the components and protrusions.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the joined components are grains or beans.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the joined components comprise theendosperm, germ, and pericarp of a corn kernel.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the joined components comprise the skin, pulp,mucilage, parchment, and beans of a coffee berry.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the joined components comprise the skin, pulp, and pitof a fruit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the joined componentscomprise the starch and cells of a cassava root or potato.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein said protrusions are spaced at leastapproximately 6 millimeters apart.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein there is an approximately 6 to 12 millimeter space betweenadjoining protrusions.
 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein saidprotrusions have a top profile that is C-shaped.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein said protrusions have a side profile that is J-shaped.22. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said protrusions have a fixed endrotatably mounted on said front surface of said rotor and a free end.23. An apparatus for separating relatively large joined componentsplaced in a fluid medium, comprising: a housing presenting an interiorchamber, an inlet adapted to allow the fluid and joined components toenter said chamber, a shaft opening, and an outlet adapted to allow thefluid and components to exit said chamber after the components areseparated; a shaft projecting through said shaft opening into saidchamber; a rotor coupled with said shaft inside of said chamber; aplurality of protrusions extending from said rotor, wherein saidprotrusions are spaced no less than approximately 6 millimeters apart;and a prime mover for rotating said shaft and rotor at a speedsufficient to cause cavitation of the fluid within said chamber as saidprotrusions move through said fluid, and wherein the joined componentsare separated into relatively large components by the rapid creation andimplosion of the cavitation bubbles formed within the fluid.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 23, wherein the joined components are separated bythe combined effects of centrifugal force, abrasion between the fluidand components, abrasion between the components, and impacts between thecomponents and protrusions.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein saidhousing presents first and second end walls and a side wall definingsaid chamber, wherein said inlet is in said first end wall, said shaftopening is in said second end wall, and said outlet is in said sidewall, and wherein said rotor presents a front surface facing said inletand said plurality of protrusions extend from said front surface of saidrotor toward said inlet.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein thejoined components comprise the endosperm, germ, and pericarp of cornkernels, wherein said rotor is circular and said protrusions areequidistant from the center of said rotor adjacent the peripheral edgeof said front surface of said rotor, wherein said protrusions arecylindrical, and wherein there is an approximately 6 to 12 millimeterspace between adjoining protrusions for retaining corn kernels withinsaid chamber until separation of the germ, pericarp, and endosperm. 27.The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising protrusions extending fromsaid first end wall toward said rotor.
 28. The apparatus of claim 25,further comprising: a tube received by said inlet and extending intosaid chamber; a counter-rotor coupled with said tube inside of saidchamber, said counter-rotor presenting a front surface facing said frontsurface of said rotor; and protrusions extending from said front surfaceof said counter-rotor toward said rotor.
 29. The apparatus of claim 23,further comprising a centrifuge coupled to said outlet.